In search of family and answers in Nicaragua

[HernanCarazo]

The name I was given here is Norman Albert Parada.

From what I know, my father brought me to this country when I was around four years old. It is not clear why, but shortly after my arrival, I was sent to an “uncle”, and then to the US foster and group home care systems. From that time, my entire juvenile life was spent in this system.

As a child, I was told by whom I believe is an uncle from my mother’s side of the family, that my mother passed away when I was two or three years old. That uncle named Alfredo passed away about six or seven years ago.

Being a young child, and not being able to grasp the bulk of information provided by this uncle, it was my impression I was born in Jamaica. It was found out only last year the social security number this “uncle” gave to me was not mine, which leaves questions of the legality of my entrance to the US.

After extensive research, my fiancé Erikka located an elementary school I attended in San Fernando California, and it was brought to our attention that I was born in Esteli, Nicaragua, and the birth name provided by my father was Normy Alberto Parada. School records in Arlington, Virginia were also found. These records are those from my short stay with my father and uncle.

Now that I know part of my life story, a copy of my mother’s death certificate would be something I could have as my most treasured possession. My fiancé and I also wish to visit Nicaragua to be reunited with my relatives.

Since we are having issues with language barriers (neither my fiancé nor I speak Spanish), we are having trouble locating these documents and family information.

The information we have is as follows:

Normy Alberto Parada: 9/5/77
My birth name might also be Norwin or Normin. I may have also had the last name Ruiz.

Mother: Mondelina Ruiz (Esteli, Nicaragua)
Grandmother: Juanita Ruiz
We believe Mondelina passed away when I was around two years old. We also believe she may have had another child named Marlo. The first name may be Magdalene or Magdalina. The school records we found, as well as the “uncle” indicates she met an untimely death around 1979 or 1980 (we believe she was murdered).

Father: Miguel Angel Parada (from San Salvador)
We do not believe Miguel and Mondelina were married, since school paperwork indicates a stepmother named Jaky. We believe my father is still residing in the US, but are not able to locate him. Keeping in mind he allowed my entrance into the group home system, he may be very difficult to locate.

We hope you will be able to assist us in this search to find my family, self-knowledge, and heritage.

God Bless.

[HernanCarazo]

I may be reached at Insearchofnica@aol.com

[alaind]

I hope you are successful in your quest...have you tried the Nicaragua phone directory? Maybe you'd have luck there or in El Salvador.

[javi]

i would suggest you to e-mail luciano at lacw@onebox.com he seems to know more on how to locate people in nicaragua. at least to let you know where to search. good luck and let us know if you find your family.

[HernanCarazo]

jvnica

I have not been able to locate any Nicaraguan telephone directories. There was one at the Nicaraguan Embassy here in Washington, DC. The directories were outdated (from five and six years ago), and appeared to be business listings only. In addition, they did not really have the time to allow me to copy numbers. I had a lead last other night for what I thought was my grandmother’s home telephone number. I had someone translate for me, but it was not the same Juanita Ruiz in Esteli, nor did she know of another Juanita who had a granddaughter with two sons, who passed away. If you know of where I can go to get a telephone directory from Esteli, like the ones I saw there, please let me know.

Thank you,

God Bless

[HernanCarazo]

Patricia

I will send my information to the contact as you suggested, and appreciate any additional suggestions you may have.

Thank you.

God Bless

[alaind]

Lots of luck I'm sure he can help...he has a copy of the directory